“There is a story out there for everyone - regardless of age, gender, or background. I really believe when a child unlocks the magic and joy of reading that their potential is limitless.” France Beard, Miss University.
France Beard is an impressive young woman. A junior Political Science major and Psychology minor at The University of Mississippi, France represents Ole Miss as Miss University. France is busy studying, making appearances around the University and Oxford community, volunteering with Student Activities Association, and preparing to compete in the Miss Mississippi pageant this summer.
Even more importantly, France is reaching out to children across our state. She says, “As Miss University, I promote my platform, ‘First Book: Access to New Books for Children in Need.’” She adds, “My passion for reading and encouraging children to read stems from personal experiences. When I was a child, I was constantly drawn to books. I remember reading The Giving Tree, Biscuit and Anne of Green Gables over and over again. It was the stories and the characters within them that meant so much to me. Reading allowed me not only to invent and guess what would come next, but it provided an escape where I could be whatever I wanted.”
France’s platform is quite extraordinary. Yesterday was International Children’s Book Day, and we had the honor of speaking with this charming, talented woman who is transforming young Mississippians’ lives through the power of reading.
Tell me about your platform and your passion for children and reading!
“My platform is "First Book: Access to New Books for Children in Need." First Book is a national literacy campaign that provides books to the most in-need school districts across the United States.
On the national level, I collect monetary donations for First Book through a "virtual book drive" on their website. This tool makes it very easy for people to donate online or by sending a check that I can then mail in. On a local level, in the Jackson, Madison, and Oxford areas, I read to grade-school students and encourage them to build good reading habits. “
“My platform is "First Book: Access to New Books for Children in Need." First Book is a national literacy campaign that provides books to the most in-need school districts across the United States.
On the national level, I collect monetary donations for First Book through a "virtual book drive" on their website. This tool makes it very easy for people to donate online or by sending a check that I can then mail in. On a local level, in the Jackson, Madison, and Oxford areas, I read to grade-school students and encourage them to build good reading habits. “
Why did you choose “First Book” as your platform?
“I chose First Book as my platform because I want children to have the opportunity to fall in love with stories and characters like I did. Likewise, I believe my reading foundation has helped me succeed at the University of Mississippi. Being a Political Science major, we read A LOT. I know that it is from my background that I have the desire and dedication to finish every reading assignment, understand the vocabulary, and comprehend the material. I really credit my academic achievements and career ambitions to my love of reading and the benefits I have received from it.
More importantly, this concept applies to young students. We must give them the tools to succeed in order for them to prosper. Because education ultimately unlocks opportunity, it is critical that children learn to read and develop strong reading habits that will allow them to succeed later in life.”
“I chose First Book as my platform because I want children to have the opportunity to fall in love with stories and characters like I did. Likewise, I believe my reading foundation has helped me succeed at the University of Mississippi. Being a Political Science major, we read A LOT. I know that it is from my background that I have the desire and dedication to finish every reading assignment, understand the vocabulary, and comprehend the material. I really credit my academic achievements and career ambitions to my love of reading and the benefits I have received from it.
More importantly, this concept applies to young students. We must give them the tools to succeed in order for them to prosper. Because education ultimately unlocks opportunity, it is critical that children learn to read and develop strong reading habits that will allow them to succeed later in life.”
April 2nd is International Children's Book Day - do you ever read to children in bookstores or schools across the state?
“I have read in 14 schools and to 38 classrooms full of bright and excited students… roughly 760 children within 4 months! I was invited to read at Madison Avenue Lower Elementary on National Read Across America Day, which is Dr. Seuss' birthday, to 3rd grade students all sporting their best Dr. Seuss costumes…I really enjoy reading to students of all ages and watching their eyes light up as I turn the page - this is probably one of the highlights of my job!”
“I have read in 14 schools and to 38 classrooms full of bright and excited students… roughly 760 children within 4 months! I was invited to read at Madison Avenue Lower Elementary on National Read Across America Day, which is Dr. Seuss' birthday, to 3rd grade students all sporting their best Dr. Seuss costumes…I really enjoy reading to students of all ages and watching their eyes light up as I turn the page - this is probably one of the highlights of my job!”
Any tips/advice for getting children interested in reading?
“What I've found from reading to a diverse group of students this year is that even children have a preference. I think the easiest way for parents, teachers, or mentors to get children interested in reading is to cater to their likes and interests. When children are interested in the subject matter of the book, whether it is silly or educational, the desire to find out "what happens next" is almost impossible to resist. With all of the technological distractions that target younger generations, reading may not always be the most appealing option. Reading, however, offers a unique experience to children; it gives them the opportunity to imagine, explore, and create.”
“What I've found from reading to a diverse group of students this year is that even children have a preference. I think the easiest way for parents, teachers, or mentors to get children interested in reading is to cater to their likes and interests. When children are interested in the subject matter of the book, whether it is silly or educational, the desire to find out "what happens next" is almost impossible to resist. With all of the technological distractions that target younger generations, reading may not always be the most appealing option. Reading, however, offers a unique experience to children; it gives them the opportunity to imagine, explore, and create.”
Thank you, France, for encouraging and inspiring young minds throughout the state. We will all be rooting for you in the upcoming Miss Mississippi pageant!
{Blog by Mitchell Walters}
RSS Feed